Nasal Congestion Stuffy Nose Relief Home Remedies: How To Get Rid Of Blocked Stuffy Nose Fast At Home

According to statistics, about $6 billion is spent every year on treating nasal congestion in the United States. This estimate shows how much nasal congestion is a menace in the country.

What is nasal congestion?

Nasal congestion, also known as stuffy nose, is a condition that is marked by an increase in mucus secretion in the nasal passages. This increase in mucus production is basically due to an inflammation of the mucus membranes inside the nose. Most times, nasal congestion is a symptom of some other health condition like sinusitis or allergic reaction.

Causes of nasal congestion

As previously mentioned, stuffy nose is usually a symptom of an underlying condition like sinus infection or common cold. However, a stuffy nose can also be the result of other causes such as having an object stuck in the nose, dry mucus, polyps, use of certain drugs, prolonged or indiscriminate use of nasal decongestant, etc.

Symptoms of nasal congestion

Common symptoms of nasal congestion include:

Stuffy or obstructed nose

Difficulty breathing

Mucus accumulation

Sneezing

Inflammation of the nasal tissues

Home remedies for nasal congestion

Here are some ways of treating nasal congestion at home:

Take a hot bath or shower: Taking a hot shower or soaking in a hot bath can help to improve your breathing, particularly when you have a stuffy nose. This works because the water vapor from the hot water is helpful in thinning the mucus in the nasal passages and in reducing swelling. A word of caution though, ensures that the water is not too hot as to burn your face.

Cayenne pepper: Hot spices like cayenne pepper can help in bringing fast relief to congested nose. Cayenne pepper contains capsaicin, which is known for its anti-inflammatory properties, among other medicinal properties. To make the best of cayenne pepper as a remedy for stuffy nose, prepare and drink cayenne tea by adding some cayenne pepper powder to a cup of boiled water. Another method is to sprinkle the pepper on your meals.

Horseradish: Horseradish is an age-old remedy for clearing the sinuses and removal of mucus. You can benefit from horseradish by adding it to your sandwich or by eating raw horseradish.

Aromatherapy: Aromatherapy is a treatment method that involves the use of plants extracts and essential oils. Inhaling the oil of plants like eucalyptus or lavender can help to reduce inflammation in the nasal passages. For this method, add a few drops of the essential oil to a bowl of boiling water and inhale the vapor.

Use a humidifier: Sometimes, your nose can become clogged due to dryness of the air. A humidifier is a special device that is used for making the air inside a room humid (moist). You can use a humidifier to make the air moist if this is the case. Doing this helps to reduce sinus pain, as well as to improve breathing.

Hydrate: Dryness of air is a possible cause of nasal congestion. Like using a humidifier to make your nasal passages wet, drinking lots of water or other fluids will also help. Drinking warm fluids like tea or warm water is a natural way of clearing the congested passages.

Steam: Along with taking a hot shower, you can also try inhaling steam. Steam inhalation helps to improve nasal congestion by improving breathing and reducing mucus buildup in the nose. All you need to do is to put your head over a pot of boiling water and slowly inhale the water vapor into your nose. Be careful, though, so as not to allow the heat burn your face.

Lemon: You can use lemon juice to get rid of nasal blockages. Simply mix two tablespoons of lemon juice with a pinch of salt and half a teaspoon of black pepper. Then, apply the mixture on your nose and leave for about 10 minutes.

Tomato juice: Drinking tomato juice is a quick way of bringing relief to your blocked nasal passages. The juice helps to reduce any swelling in the nose and to clear the sinuses. For best results, add a pinch of salt and a tablespoon of crushed garlic to the tomato juice before drinking.

Ginger: Ginger has anti-inflammatory properties that should come in handy if you have a clogged nose. There are different ways of using ginger for relieving nasal congestion. You can either prepare and drink ginger tea, or make a compress from it by boiling some slices of peeled ginger in water, soaking a cloth in it and placing the cloth on your face (covering your nose).

Use garlic: The antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory properties of garlic are beneficial in the treatment of nasal congestion. For this method, crush some garlic cloves and add to a cup of boiling water to make garlic soup. After boiling for some minutes, remove the mixture and strain, then drink.

Use a warm compress: Your stuffy nose can be caused by cold, as previously mentioned. To remedy the situation, you can try using a warm compress. A warm compress can be made by soaking a washcloth in warm water, wringing the washcloth, and then placing it over your nose and forehead.

Apple cider vinegar: Apple cider vinegar diluted in water can also be used as a remedy for nasal congestion. Apple cider vinegar helps because of its astringent and anti-inflammatory properties. The presence of acetic acid in vinegar also helps to fight against any underlying infection due to bacteria. Simply mix one teaspoon of apple cider vinegar in a glass of water and drink to clear your stuffy nose.

Hot soup: Taking 3 to 4 cups of hot vegetable or chicken soup daily can help to relieve your nasal congestion. Taking hot soups also helps to hydrate the body, which is what you need if you have a stuffy nose.

Chamomile tea

Basil: Basil is another wonderful herbal remedy for treating nasal congestion. Chewing fresh basil leaves, or preparing tea from the leaves will help to free your stuffed nose. For best results, it is advised that you consume the leaves in the morning before eating, as well as at night before going to bed.

Mustard seed oil: Dripping 2 or 3 drops of mustard oil in both of your nostrils can help to clean up your nose. You need to be cautious, however, while trying this method.

Fenugreek seeds: You can benefit from the medicinal powers of fenugreek seeds if you have a congested nose. Fenugreek can help to reduce the mucus in your nasal passage. To reap the benefits of fenugreek seeds, add some of the seeds to a cup of water and heat. Then, strain the mixture and drink.

Honey; Honey?s plethora of health benefits also extends to the treatment of nasal congestion. As such, you can take 2 teaspoons of pure local honey two times daily to free your nasal airways if you have a stuffy nose. You can also add honey to your drinks or water to consume.

Acupressure: Acupressure is a method of treatment that involves the application of pressure to certain points on the body. You can try acupressure on your nose by gently pinching your nose ? the side between your eyes ? with your left thumb and left index finger. While holding your nose with your left fingers, use your right hand to hold the back of your neck, as if you were grabbing your spine. Do this for about one minute until you start to feel better.

Massage your nose: Gently massaging your nose is a simple way of improving circulation to the nose, which can help to reduce the sinus pain. This method is quite different from acupressure in that you use only the fingers of one hand to massage your nose.

Use a neti pot: A neti pot is a special container used for flushing the nasal passages. You can use a neti pot to unclog your nose by placing the mouth of the pot in one of your nostrils while standing. Then, with your head tilted to the other side, allow the water from the neti pot to enter into your nostril, and watch it come out from the other nostril. Repeat the process on the other nostril.

Onions: The anti-inflammatory property of onion can help in relieving nasal decongestion, especially if it is caused by common cold. You can benefit from onions for decongesting stuffy nose by chewing on some raw onion slices or by inhaling the pungent odor.

Use a saline solution: If you are unable to get a neti pot, you can flush your clogged nasal cavity by using a saline solution. Use a dropper to apply the solution to your nostrils. To prepare a saline solution, mix one teaspoon of salt in 2 cups of warm water.

Use antihistamines: Nasal congestion can be the result of an allergic reaction. If this is the case, you can benefit from taking allergy medicines or antihistamines, which are used for treating allergies. However, make sure to follow the instructions for the medication while taking them to prevent your condition from worsening.

Peppermint tea: Peppermint leaves have a soothing effect that can help to reduce nasal congestion. The menthol in peppermint plays a vital role here, as it helps to thin out mucus in the nasal passages and to clear the sinuses. Peppermint tea can be made by adding dried peppermint leaves to boiling water.

Decongestants: Nasal congestion can be released by using decongestant medication. This type of medication work by reducing the inflammation and mucus production in the nose. You can get either a nasal spray or a decongestant pill like pseudoephedrine.